Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 41 in Thunder's 123-105 win over Wizards

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 41 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Washington 123-105 on Monday night, sending the NBA-worst Wizards to their 21st loss in 23 games and 12th straight on the road.

Jalen Williams added 17 points and Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won eight of nine. Oklahoma City shot 44.3% from the field and made 19 of 22 free throws.

The Thunder led 67-63 at halftime and 91-87 after three quarters. They took control with a 19-3 run to open the final period.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who had two points after one quarter, made 14 of 25 shots, 3 of 6 3-pointers and 10 of 10 from the foul line. He exceeded 40 points for the second time this season and added nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.

Jordan Poole scored 31 points, Carlton “Bub” Carrington added 14 and Jonas Valanciunas had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Wizards. Washington played without double-figure scorers Kyle Kuzma, Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr, the team’s No. 2 overall draft pick.

Wizards: Washington made 16 of its first 32 3-point attempts to keep the game close, but missed 11 straight after that.

Thunder: Oklahoma City struggled from distance, shooting only 26.3%, but rookie Ajay Mitchell, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander made 3s early in the fourth quarter to help extend the lead to 15. Mitchell finished with 16 points.

Oklahoma City forward Jaylin Williams made his season debut to a loud ovation with 9:41 left in the second quarter. His 3-pointer less than a minute later capped a 13-0 run that gave the Thunder a 42-37 lead they never relinquished.

Washington committed 19 turnovers, leading to 24 points for Oklahoma City.

Wizards: Host Charlotte on Thursday.

Thunder: At Indiana on Thursday.

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) celebrate after a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) pushes past Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)